Mahmood Noukabadi refused bail over allegations he imported kilos of methamphetamine hidden inside vests

A Hillcrest man has appeared in court accused of importing methamphetamine – and then trying to flush it down the toilet to avoid detection.

A man facing serious drugs charges for allegedly importing large amounts of methamphetamine secreted inside vests was arrested attempting to flush some of the drug down the toilet, a court has heard.

Mahmood Noukabadi appeared in the Adelaide Magistrates Court to seek release on bail last week after his April arrest.

Opposing bail, a Commonwealth prosecutor told the court 450g of methamphetamine was recovered from the floor of Mr Noukabadi’s bathroom.

Outside, police found 78 vests – containing an alleged estimated 8kg of methamphetamine – in his garage.

The methamphetamine was allegedly hidden in vests.

“It’s alleged that the defendant imported five consignments containing methamphetamine concealed within the lining of items of clothing, namely vests, that were sent to Australia from Afghanistan,” the prosecutor said.

“Four of those consignments were intercepted at the border, the fifth was seized by police in South Australia.”

She said police removed the “drug infused linings” and conducted a “controlled delivery” which Mr Noukabadi allegedly collected using a driver’s licence in another person’s name.

“He took it to his home address whereupon he was arrested in possession of that consignment.”

The prosecutor told the court police also found equipment used for extracting the methamphetamine from the vests, a passport and nine driver’s licenses in various names – including the one used to accept the controlled delivery.

“This represents a strong crown case,” she said.

Other items seized from the home included a receipt for the transfer of $156,000 to Afghanistan.

Mr Noukabadi has been charged with multiple drug offences, including five counts of importing a controlled drug.

Stacey Carter, for Mr Noukabadi, told the court her client had no prior criminal history and he could remain in custody for a significant period before any trial, which could be as far away as 2026.

She said the father of two would abide by any home detention conditions imposed, including electronic monitoring, lodging a cash surety of up to $10,000, and bans from approaching any international point of departure.

Magistrate Karim Soetratma refused his release on bail for reasons including the gravity of the alleged offending and likelihood he would abscond if he was to be released from custody.

“In my view, yes there is a presumption of bail… however on the information available to me I am satisfied that the presumption of bail has been displaced and that bail should be refused in respect of this applicant,” he said.